Review vs. Preview
“I enjoyed the review of the Ridgid Router but I think one thing was missing: the cons. Nothing is perfect, and a review that doesn’t tell me the downside of a tool along with its upsides isn’t really doing me a favor. I’d like to know what you didn’t like about the Ridgid Router and any other tools you review in the future.” – Chuck Molnar
To be fair, this was a preview, not a review. Think of it more as an announcement about a new tool rather than an in-depth comparison test. Nevertheless, as the next reader pointed out, we did mention a power switch issue we would have preferred to be different, though this reader felt we should have been harsher critics. – Editor
“In the router review, it said ‘I would like to have found a power switch that I could activate with both hands on the handles.’ A big amen to that! I really wish you would ‘ding’ the router in the review if it doesn’t have a ‘two hands on the router power switch.’ Of all the safety features possible on a router, that has to be one of the most important, and the one most often missing.” – Rich Flynn
As always, the comedians had their witty say. – Editor
“You said that router arrived unannounced. I think that was the one they planned to send to me and directed it to you in error.” – Dave Stumpf
“How can we believe a reviewer who gets unsolicited shiny new tools in the mail? Would you really publish a bad review under those circumstances? I wouldn’t. Just kidding. Keep up the good work. I love getting your newsletters.” – Paul St. Amant
Relieving the Tension with Humor
Speaking of witty remarks, this came in after our discussion about who does and does not relieve the tension on their band saw blades. – Editor
“If I do not de-tension my band saw, does it mean that I’m suffering from de-tension deficit disorder?” – Ron Cox
Is “Cheaper Online” also “Cheating Online”?
This apparent convert made an interesting point about his and others’ past actions that have the taint of dubious ethics. – Editor
“I would like to comment about statements made in your discussions about woodworking shows. It was stated that ‘prices were cheaper online.’ I don’t think too many woodworkers would buy a tool sight unseen. I’d bet a ton of money that most people first go to a local brick and mortar tool supplier and handle the various brands available. I’m also sure that they pick the brains of the retailer about the tool before they make a decision on which model to buy. I’ve also been guilty of buying tools online after first going to the retailer to check out the various candidates. I think that when you ‘use’ your retailers this way, you are in some ways cheating them.” – Ray Gosselin
Chuck Stuck on the Lathe
After our readers offered help on loosening a stuck lathe chuck, a couple more prescribed preventive medicine. – Editor
“I recently read that one way to prevent this from happening is to place a neoprene washer between the chuck and the lathe head stock. That might help others in the future.” – Dave Ray
“In answer to the question about the chuck being stuck on the lathe, a nylon washer will prevent this from happening.” – Sue Thomas
Russ Filbeck
“What an exceptional human being.” – Dan Sparks; Whangarei, New Zealand
“Making Ladder-back Chairs With Russ Filbeck sounds like a great book, but Google turns up no sources. You’ll tell us when it’s in print, right?” – Curt Seeliger
No, we don’t do book reviews or book release notices in this magazine, but we’d bet good money that Russ will post its release on his web site. – Editor
“Having served 29 years in the Navy, mostly in submarines, I have a great respect for our Chief Petty Officers, who are the backbone of our Navy. I have been making sawdust most of my adult life, but nothing like Mr. Filbeck’s amazing rocking chairs. I would like to contact him via email. However, while his web site suggests contacting him about his chairs, there was no e-mail address. Could you provide me with his e-mail address? I promise no jokes. I would just like to pay my respects. Andy Cotterman, US Navy, Ret.
“Where could I find more about the spokeshaves Russ makes?” – Joe Paterson
You’ll find all of Russ’ contact information, including an e-mail address, on this page of the Palomar web site. – Editor
Palomar College
“Fantastic. Wish I had the opportunity to go to such a school. I have spent 15 years learning much less than they teach in the first year.” – Thomas W. Horton
Biscuit Jointer Alignment Problem
“Regarding alignment problems with biscuit joints, the writer’s difficulty could be caused by sawdust collecting under the parts before some or all of the pockets are cut.” – Gerald Garrison
“I have found when joining some woods the joiner has a tendency to drift a little. Some plywood uses cheap filler, and sometimes you hit a knot or hardwood center layer that can draw the joiner to drift off unintentionally.” – Carmine Ferrari
“I had the same problem. I started checking the thickness of biscuits that I have been using with a digital micrometer. Most were not consistent in thickness. I ended up throwing them all away and buying Lamello brand biscuits instead, which cleared the problem up very quickly.” – Lee F. Howland
Hammer Veneering
After it was mentioned in the last issue, several folks wrote in asking about hammer veneering. For the most part, all the letters were similar to this one. – Editor
“I’ve never heard of ‘hammer veneering.’ Before I start guessing, can you describe what is it?” – Joe Scheffer
Hammer veneering is a method of applying veneers to a substrate without clamping. You wet the substrate and the veneer with hide glue (most folks coat both sides of the veneer), then squeegee the veneer onto the surface with a flat-bladed tool called a veneer hammer. The technique uses hide glue, and is a great way of dealing with difficult to clamp veneer jobs. A Google search will yield a host of web sites with varying descriptions of exactly how to do it. – Editor
Thanks from Far Afield
“Just a note to say thank you for a great eZine. I am based in Ireland and look forward to reading every issue.” – Mark McCrea; Drogheda, Ireland
Typo Corner
This ever popular segment, which highlights humor in language gaffes, rolls on unabated, thanks to our all-too- human penchant for fumbling our written words. – Editor
“I would like to make some toys, but cannot find a paint that clearly states that it is baby-safe and editable.”
We can see why you would want that. If the kids write on their toys, editable paint will let you correct their spelling and edit their grammar. – Editor
